Lactic Acid System Overview

Lactic Acid System Overview

• The lactic acid system is a metabolic pathway that provides energy during high-intensity, short-duration activities.
• It utilizes glycogen stores to produce ATP.
• Glycogen is broken down to glucose-6-phosphate.
• Glucose-6-phosphate is further processed, eventually leading to pyruvic acid.
• Pyruvic acid is converted to lactic acid by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Glycogen Breakdown

• Glycogen, a stored form of glucose, is broken down through a process indicated as GPP (likely glycogen phosphorylase).
• This breakdown occurs in muscle cells.
• The end result of glycogen breakdown is glucose-6-phosphate.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Conversion

• Glucose-6-phosphate, a crucial intermediate, is then further metabolized.
• The enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) plays a key role in converting glucose-6-phosphate to pyruvic acid.
• This conversion is a part of glycolysis.

Pyruvic Acid to Lactic Acid

• Pyruvic acid, a pivotal component in the energy pathway, undergoes a key conversion.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyzes the transformation of pyruvic acid into lactic acid.
• This conversion is critical for regenerating NAD+ for the continuation of glycolysis when oxygen supply is limited. This is why this is seen as important for high intensity workouts.
• The buildup of lactic acid is frequently associated with muscle fatigue and soreness.